Well if I needed something to drool over I guess I would just dream but in real life I need something cheap and was asking for someone with some experience if they ever tired the DI versions.
My experience is 2 years out of date now but I have seen a lot of 3D printers as the technology
emerged - (trade shows etc)
In my experience from that time even expensive printers were unreliably and infuriating to use for
many of the things people wanted to do. Yes they worked and yes the results can be impressive.
But mostly patience and attention to detail were strongly needed.
I guess you could multiply the issues if using a DIY or cheap model.
(Things like heated base plate issues - design glitches - jamming up - poor mechanical construction,
dissapointment with limited options, poor results etc)
For education maybe they are useful and high end really are great for prototype work
(and manufature etc) but the notion of "everyone printing things at home" was, is, and will be for many
years an obvious absurdity in my opinion.
I don't think as a small business I'd want to get stuck with one to be honest.
Others may dissagree of course.
If you discover otherwise please let us know - I'd be interested.